" It's a bleak, alienating vision by design, and the cruel sense of repetition that sets in feels entirely intentional, conveying again and again the weight of society bearing down relentlessly on one individual. "

" The Smurfs mostly takes place in a grown-up world of cosmetics advertising and expectant parents. Without a child character to interpret and join the action, it's a pretty dull way to introduce young viewers to the new blue crew. "